So I decided to change my oil, CVT fluid, and filters. My 2010 Insight has 12,372 miles on it. The CVT fluid on the dipstick appeared to be clear but I was more curious about the debris that might be on the mag plug and was wanting to change the filter. The last Honda dealer oil change was a few months ago and the ticker was showing 80%. But while I was under the car, I wanted to put in a quick drain valve, install Mobil1 oil, and a K&N oil filter. Yes, my entire project was completely unjustifiable, but I feel better and that's what counts.
After jacking and securing the car, I took off the quick disconnect panel which gave me access to oil drain, oil filter, and CVT filter. There is tiny quick disconnect panel to the left hand side of the pan for CVT fluid drain and is held on with 4 screws.
First I drained the CVT fluid. The drain plug has a recess that a 3/8 inch rachet fits into quite nicely. I still needed a cheater bar to get the thing out. With the plug out, the fluid was pulsing out in big gulps, so I pulled the dipstick out a bit to allow air in on top, and it flowed smoothly. I caught a sample of the fluid dripping out and found it to be a dark red/brown color, almost like Coca Cola or dark beer. I eventually compared it to a sample of new fluid which was a light red/orange color.
The magnet on the plug showed a small build up of particles less than 1/16 of an inch thick. Some it appeared to be chips or shavings of metal, but that is an optical illusion based on how magnets work. In reality, the debris on the plug was all very fine powdery metal. I changed the CVT filter. After cleaning the plug, I reinstalled it with a new washer and torqued to 36 foot pounds.
The CVT filter was not difficult but a little trickier than I first analyzed. There are two hose clamps and clamp that holds the filter steady. The filter clamp is two pieces. One piece is bolted to the engine and remains in place. The other piece has a bolt holding it onto the first piece. And that bolt is kinda close to the radiator fan cage so it takes a little bit of will power to get it off and back on. The two hose clamps are typical where you squeeze the ears to release the pressure and slide them away from the filter. It took a little more squeeze pressure than I was anticipating, but nothing bad. I had spare clamps, but did not use them. I had planned to break open the filter for show and tell. Alas, I have not cutting equipment at home and its a very hard metal housing that I can't just bend back and forth and break open. The filter has a seam around it and I made sure the new filter had the same orientation as the one I took off.
The oil change went pretty smooth except the filter and drain bolt were too tight.
I added 3 qts of fluid to the CVT and after a test drive it was a little low, so I added a half quart and it was over serviced. I think I'll leave it there for now.
I added 3 qts of Mobil1 oil plus a half quart and everything is fine.
I never had any problems with the engine or CVT before this project. I had no problems on the test drive. I do feel much better knowing that I have refreshed the CVT and took the overtorqued oil plug and filter off. I do plan to change the CVT and filter again after about another 10K. At that point, I will decide when my next change will be. Even though the fluid was dark, it was not muddy. The old fluid was probably still serviceable. The fluid looked fine on the dipstick but I think that if I waited until it showed a darkness color, it would be too late…for my satisfaction.
I have some pics that show the location of the filter, the dirty mag plug, clean mag plug, fluid colors, and the debris from the plug on a paper towel, where it turned into very fine particles that you can't even feel.
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CVT Fluid/Filter Change
